Colposcopy

Colposcopy is a test to look at the vagina and cervix through a
lighted magnifying tool (colposcope).

The colposcope magnifies the view 2 to 60 times so the doctor can
see any problems that would be missed by the naked eye. A camera can be hooked
to the colposcope to take pictures or videos of the vagina and cervix for a
permanent record.

The doctor may put vinegar (acetic acid) and sometimes iodine
(Lugol's solution) on the vagina and cervix with a swab or cotton balls to see
areas of abnormal cells more clearly. Samples of the abnormal cells (biopsies)
can be collected and looked at under a microscope.

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